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Lyrics & meaning

Kadhal Kaninthidum

From Iru Sagodharigal · 1957

Lyricist
Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass
Singer
Jikki
Music director
S. Rajeswara Rao
Details
Iru Sagodharigal1957

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Female
Kadhal kaninthidum neraththilaeAt the time when love ripens,
Inba kaaviya thaenidhazh oraththilae konjam paaraaiLook a little towards the edge of sweet lips of blissful poetry.
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Chorus
Oo…koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh... song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Female
Malar nilai maarinaalIf the state of the flower changes,
Madhu suvai kaanumaaWill it still taste of honey?
Manathai kavarum rojaOh rose that steals the heart,
Magizhnthidu rajaRejoice, my king!
Chorus
Manathai kavarum rojaOh rose that steals the heart,
Magizhnthidu rajaRejoice, my king!
Female
Kadhal kaninthidum neraththilaeAt the time when love ripens,
Inba kaaviya thaenidhazh oraththilae konjam paaraaiLook a little towards the edge of sweet lips of blissful poetry.
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Chorus
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Female
Maan vizhi pesuthae malarganai veesuthaeThe deer-like eyes speak, casting arrows of flowers.
Maan vizhi pesuthae malarganai veesuthaeThe deer-like eyes speak, casting arrows of flowers.
Maraimugamaaga neeyae mayangi nillaathaeDo not stand mesmerized in secret.
Chorus :Maraimugamaaga neeyae mayangi nillaathaeChorus: Do not stand mesmerized in secret.
Female
Kadhal kaninthidum neraththilaeAt the time when love ripens,
Inba kaaviya thaenidhazh oraththilae konjam paaraaiLook a little towards the edge of sweet lips of blissful poetry.
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Chorus
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Oo…jeevithamae inba kaanumaeOh... life itself becomes a blissful forest.
Female
Neelavaan melae neenthidum kadhal nilavaagavaeLike the love moon swimming high above the blue sky,
Nerinil odi ingae vaarumaeRun and come here in person.
Chorus :Nerinil odi ingae vaarumaeChorus: Run and come here in person.
Female
Solaiyin melae SugantharumSpreading fragrance over the grove,
Thendral alai polavaeLike the waves of gentle breeze,
Chorus :Joraana inba nilai kaanumaeChorus: A splendid state of bliss shall be found.
Female
Kadhal kaninthidum neraththilaeAt the time when love ripens,
Inba kaaviya thaenidhazh oraththilae konjam paaraaiLook a little towards the edge of sweet lips of blissful poetry.
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Jeevithamae inba kaanumaeLife itself becomes a blissful forest.
Chorus
Koovidum kogila gaanamaeOh song of the cooing cuckoo,
Oo…jeevithamae inba kaanumaeOh... life itself becomes a blissful forest.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

This classic romantic duet/solo from 'Iru Sagodharigal' (1957) captures the enchantment and blossoming joy of young love. The lyrics compare love to the melodious song of a cooing cuckoo, a fragrant garden, and honey from sweet lips. The singer urges her beloved to drop all hesitation, stop hiding his feelings, and join her openly to celebrate their deep connection. Throughout the song, poetic imagery of nature—such as the moon swimming in the blue sky and a fragrant breeze wafting through a grove—is used to symbolize the sweet and transformative power of romance, portraying life as a joyful forest when love ripens.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Metaphor (Uvamai / Uruvagaththil)

Inba kaaviya thaenidhazh oraththilae konjam paaraai

Compares lips to sweet honeyed poetry ('Thaenidhazh / Inba kaaviya') and eyes to a deer ('Maan vizhi').

Emonai (Initial Assonance / Monai)

Maraimugamaaga neeyae mayangi nillaathae

Repetition of the 'M' sound across lines ('Maan', 'Maraimugamaaga', 'Mayangi').

Iyaibu (End Rhyme)

Manathai kavarum roja / Magizhnthidu raja

Matching end sounds with 'Roja' and 'Raja'.

Did you know?

Trivia

'Iru Sagodharigal' (1957) was a Tamil drama film directed by D. Yoganand, starring Gemini Ganesan, Savitri, and Sundari Bai. The soundtrack composed by Saluri Rajeswara Rao was well known for its rich classical melodies and poetic lyrics penned by Thanjai N. Ramaiah Dass.

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